Import Export Business License for Trading Across the UAE
The UAE sits between two of the world's biggest markets, Asia and Europe, which is exactly why so many trading businesses choose to base themselves here. But before you can bring in a single shipment or send goods out, you need two separate things in place: a trade license that permits import-export activity, and a Customs Code registered with the relevant Customs Department. Miss either one and your shipment simply won't clear.
This trips people up more than it should. A lot of new business owners assume the trade license alone is enough, only to find their goods held at the port because they never registered for a Customs Code. At PROBIZ, we handle both parts together the license and the customs registration so you're actually ready to trade, not just holding a certificate.
We work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, and the other emirates, whether you're setting up on the mainland or in a free zone.
Need Help With an Import Export License in the UAE?
PROBIZ can assist with the trade license, Customs Code registration, and setup process across the UAE.
What Is an Import Export License in the UAE?
An import export license is a trade license issued by the mainland Department of Economic Development or by a free zone authority that permits your company to legally import and export goods. It's usually registered under a general trading or specific trading activity code, depending on what you plan to move in and out of the country.
On its own, the license doesn't let you clear goods through customs. For that, you need a second step: registering your company with the Customs Department of the emirate you're based in, which issues you a unique Import Export Code (also called a Customs Code). Only once both are in place can your company legally import or export.
What Is the Import Export Code (Customs Code)?
The Import Export Code is the authorization that lets your company actually move goods through UAE ports and borders. It's issued by the Customs Department Dubai Customs, Abu Dhabi Customs, Sharjah Customs, or the relevant authority depending on where your company is registered and it's tied to your trade license.
Without this code, customs won't clear your shipments, no matter how valid your trade license is. It's typically valid for one year and needs to be renewed alongside your license.
Who Needs This License?
- Traders importing goods into the UAE for local resale or distribution
- Exporters sending UAE-made or re-exported goods to international markets
- Re-export businesses using the UAE as a transit hub between Asia, Africa, and Europe
- General trading companies dealing in multiple product categories
- Businesses bringing in raw materials or components for local manufacturing
- E-commerce and dropshipping businesses that physically import stock rather than ship direct from overseas
Free Zone vs. Mainland for Import Export
Mainland
A mainland import export license lets you trade directly with the UAE local market buying from and selling to businesses and consumers anywhere in the country with no restrictions on distribution. It's the right choice if your goods are mainly headed for the domestic UAE market, or if you need flexibility to deal with any customer, anywhere in the UAE, without going through a distributor. See our Mainland Company Setup and LLC Company Formation pages for the registration process.
Free Zone
A free zone import export license is built for international trade importing goods for re-export, bonded warehousing, and cross-border trading often with duty exemptions on goods that pass through without entering the UAE local market. This works well if most of your trade is regional or global rather than domestic UAE sales. Free zones like DMCC, JAFZA, and SHAMS are commonly used for trading companies, largely because of their port access and logistics infrastructure.
If you need to do both sell within the UAE and trade internationally talk to us about which structure fits, since combining the two usually means either a mainland license or a dual setup rather than free zone alone.
Steps to Set Up an Import Export Business in the UAE
Setting up covers two stages: getting your trade license, then registering for customs.
Stage 1: Trade License
- Reserve your trade name (usually 2–3 name options submitted for approval)
- Choose the correct trading activity code for what you'll be importing or exporting
- Decide between mainland or free zone based on your trade pattern
- Arrange office or warehouse space and the tenancy agreement (required for mainland; flexi-desk options available in most free zones)
- Prepare and submit your Memorandum of Association and application documents
- Pay the license fee and receive your trade license
- Apply for your investor visa and open a corporate bank account
Stage 2: Customs Registration
- Register your company with the Chamber of Commerce in your emirate
- Register with the relevant Customs Department and apply for your Import Export Code
- Once issued, you're ready to legally import or export goods
We manage both stages for our clients so nothing falls through the gap between "licensed" and "actually able to trade."
Documents Required
For the trade license
- Passport copy and photograph of the owner(s)/shareholders
- Proposed trade name options
- Business activity details
- Tenancy agreement or flexi-desk contract (once office/warehouse is arranged)
For the Import Export Code
- Valid trade license and Memorandum of Association
- Passport copy of the owner
- UAE residence visa copy, if applicable
- Tenancy agreement for the office or warehouse
- Request letter for the Import Export Code
- Customs Code fee payment
What Does an Import Export License Cost in the UAE?
Cost depends on a few moving parts: mainland vs. free zone, whether you need a physical office or warehouse vs. a flexi-desk, and the customs registration fee itself. In general terms, your total setup covers:
- The trading license fee (varies by jurisdiction and activity)
- Office or warehouse tenancy, or a flexi-desk package if you don't need physical space
- Trade name reservation and application processing fees
- The Import Export Code registration fee with Customs
Because government and free zone fees are revised periodically, we'll give you an exact, itemized quote once we know your trade activity, preferred jurisdiction, and whether you need warehouse space WhatsApp us at +971 50 387 7111 for current pricing.
How PROBIZ Helps
Getting an import export license technically "done" and getting your business actually ready to move goods through customs are two different things and we've seen businesses get the first without the second. Here's what we handle:
- Trade name reservation and activity selection matched to what you're actually importing or exporting
- Mainland or free zone guidance based on your trade pattern, not a one-size-fits-all recommendation
- Office, warehouse, or flexi-desk arrangement
- Full document preparation and submission to DED or the relevant free zone authority
- Chamber of Commerce and Customs Department registration for your Import Export Code
- Corporate bank account and visa support once your license is issued
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a trade license enough to import or export goods in the UAE?
No. A trade license permits the business activity, but you also need a separate Import Export Code from the Customs Department of your emirate before you can actually clear shipments through customs.
How long is the Import Export Code valid?
It's typically valid for one year and needs to be renewed alongside your trade license.
Can a free zone company import goods for sale within the UAE?
Generally, free zone companies are set up for international trade and re-export rather than direct UAE domestic sales. If you need to sell within the local UAE market, a mainland license is usually the better fit, or you may need a distributor arrangement.
Do I need a warehouse to get an import export license?
Not always. Many free zones offer flexi-desk packages that satisfy the licensing requirement without a dedicated warehouse. If you're actually storing and moving physical goods regularly, though, warehouse space becomes a practical necessity even if it's not a strict license requirement.
Which emirate is best for setting up an import export business?
It depends on your trade route and logistics needs. Dubai offers strong port and airport infrastructure and is the most established hub; Sharjah and Ajman tend to be more cost-effective for businesses working with tighter budgets; Abu Dhabi suits businesses trading with government or industrial sectors. We'll recommend based on where your goods are actually moving to and from.
Can a foreign national own 100% of an import export company in the UAE?
Yes. Both mainland and free zone companies allow full foreign ownership for most trading activities under current UAE commercial law.
How long does the whole process take, from license to being able to trade?
Trade license issuance typically takes a few working days to a couple of weeks depending on jurisdiction and activity. Customs Code registration is a separate, additional step once the license is issued — we'll give you a realistic combined timeline once we know your setup. ---
Ready to Start Trading in the UAE?
Whether you're importing, exporting, or re-exporting through the UAE, tell us what you're trading and where we'll set up the license and the customs registration together, so you're actually ready to move goods, not just holding a certificate.
